Review into Victoria Climbié social worker case ‘had no purpose’

The Health and Care Professions Council has defended its decision to hold a public hearing into Lisa Arthurworrey’s fitness to practise, after it was revealed that the former social worker no longer wants to be on the register.

By Kirsty McGregor on January 24, 2013 in Community Care

Lisa Arthurworrey’s union representative has questioned why the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) held a public review into her registration when she has made it clear she has no intention of returning to social work.

The HCPC’s conduct and competence committee held a hearing on Monday to review the conditions of practice order imposed on Arthurworrey by the General Social Care Council (GSCC) in March 2010.

The committee decided that Arthurworrey, who was sacked by Haringey Council following the death of Victoria Climbié more than a decade ago, must comply with six conditions over the next year in order to remain registered with the HCPC.

But Roger Kline, who leads on social care for the trade union Aspect, said Arthurworrey did not renew her registration after the HCPC took over responsibility for the social care register in England and has no intention of practising as a social worker.

“Since the panel were told this, it is difficult to see what purpose is served by [the decision to hold the review hearing],” said Kline.”No useful purpose whatsoever is served by this.

“Lisa will not be appealing as she has already made it clear to the panel she will be seeking a career outside social work.”

The HCPC said: “We cannot comment on individual cases, however, where a registrant is subject to a fitness to practise allegation or sanction, they cannot remove themselves from the register or allow their registration to lapse even if they do not pay their fees.

“In some instances a conduct and competence committee panel can agree to allow an individual to voluntarily remove themselves from the register where particular criteria are met, however a particular process must be gone through.

“We will review the case in question and explore the options open to the registrant and their representative.”

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